ummtaalib

I know a brelwi brother from my family and he said to me your aquidah is wrong. He said you have to believe that you could ask dua from the awliya( that pasted away ) , the prophet (SAW) is haazir naazir and alimul ghayb. They also read something called fatiha on food. if you know to know what that is is its makind dua in front of food on a special day like a pious person death day and they read surah fatiha then ikhlaas falaq and naas and then they say to send the reward to that person. i want to know if this is allowed and also can the other stuff i mentioned. Can you please give me a full detailed fatwa on this and also can you tell me any kitabs Answer In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh Your query has four parts to it: Can one ask the Awliya to grant ones Duas? It is not permissible to ask the Awliya to fulfill ones Duas. However, it is permissible for one to ask Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) through the Wasila of the Awliya. This is done by asking Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) to fulfill ones such and such Dua through the love that one has for the Awliya. Thus, one is not directly asking the Awliya, rather he is, in essence, asking from Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) who alone is capable of fulfilling Duas. Is the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wasalaam) Hazir Nazir? It is incorrect to believe that the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wasalaam) has the ability to be present everywhere. Rather, Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) is the only One who has the ability to witness all things at one time. To believe the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) is Hazir Nazir is completely disrespectful to Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) and the Prophet (SaAllahu Alahi Wassalaam). For example, some have the belief that the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) actually attends gatherings where Durood is recited upon him Rather, the correct belief is that the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) is informed of our actions and Salaams are conveyed to him through angels, not that he actually comes to the gatherings. It is mentioned in Hadith by the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) حدثنا محمد بن يوسف ثنا سفيان عن عبد الله بن السائب عن زاذان عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم : ان لله ملائكة سياحين في الأرض يبلغوني عن أمتي السلام (سنن الدارمي 2/409؛ عربي) The Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) said: “Verily, Allah has angels that travel the Earth and convey my Ummah’s salutations to me” (al-Darami) عن ابن مسعود أيضا عن النبي صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم قال: (حياتي خير لكم تحدثون ويحدث لكم ووفاتي خير لكم تعرض علي أعمالكم فما رأيت من خير حمدت الله وما رأيت من شر استغفرت الله لكم) رواه البزار بإسناد جوده الحافظ العراقي وصححه الحافظ الهيثمي والجلال السيوطي والشهاب القسطلاني (الأحاديث المنتقاة، ص 91؛ جوامع الكلم) The Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) said: “My life is good for you [since] you commit acts and its verdicts are given to you [through me]. And my death is [also] good for you [since] your deeds are presented to me. I praise Allāh for the good I see and I ask Him for your forgiveness for the evil I see” (al-Ahādīth al-Muntaqāh) These two Ahadith clearly show that our Salaams and actions are presented to the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) through angels, not that he actually comes to the gatherings. Therefore, it will be incorrect to believe that the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) is Hazir Nazir. Is the Prophet (SaAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) Alim ul-Ghayb? The Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) was given knowledge of many things of the unseen, yet his knowledge was still limited. The ability to have complete knowledge of everything is the characteristic of Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) alone and no one else. This is proven through many Ayaat of the Quran a few of them are as follows: قُل لاَّ يَعْلَمُ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ الْغَيْبَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ (النمل: 65) Say: “None in the Heavens and the earth knows the Ghayb (Unseen) except Allah” (Quran 27: 65) قُل لاَّ أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِندِي خَزَآئِنُ اللَّهِ وَلا أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ(الانعام: 50) Say (O Muhammad SalAllahu Alahi Wassalam): I do not tell that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor (that) I know the Unseen (Quran 6: 50) قُل لاَّ أَمْلِكُ لِنَفْسِي نَفْعًا وَلاَ ضَرًّا إِلاَّ مَا شَاء اللَّهُ وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ لاَسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِيَ السُّوءُ(الاعراف:188) Say (O Muhammad SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam): “I possess no power over benefit or hurt to myself except as Allah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Ghayb (Unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. (Quran 7: 188) وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لاَ يَعْلَمُهَا إِلاَّ هُوَ(الانعام: 59) And with Him (Allah) are the keys of the Ghayb (all that is hidden), none knows them but He (Allah). (Quran 6: 59) Clearly, these aayaat prove that no one other than Allah (Subhana WaTa’ala) has the knowledge of the Ghayb. Furthermore, in one incident, Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anhaa) was falsely accused of indecency and, thus, the Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) was worried for a long period of time. Until Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) sent down the Wahy to inform him of the truth. If he was knowledgeable of the Ghayb, then he would have known the reality of the situation. Many other instances, besides this one, have clearly shown that the beloved Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) did not have knowledge of the Ghayb. Is it permissible to read Fatiha on food? The method mentioned in the query has no basis in Islam and therefore, is not permissible. To specify a certain day to do this and to do it for the Awliya makes this act impermissible. Rather any act of worship must be peformed for the sole pleasure of Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala). However, if one feeds the poor and then intends its reward for the Awliya, then this method is permissible. The desire to send reward to ones deceased loved ones also existed at the time of the Sahabah, Tabieen, Tab-e-Tabieen, and so on, but not one incident is recorded of them doing it in the manner mentioned in the query. The method prescribed above has been mentioned, rather preferred, by the great Ulema of our Deen. Therefore, it is only appropriate to do this in the manner proven by Shariah. May Allah (Subhanah WaTa’ala) give all of us the Tawfiq to act upon his commands and the Sunah of our beloved Prophet (SalAllahu Alahi Wassalaam) in the best and purist of ways. Ameen. The following Kitabs may be read for more information: Ilm Ghayb by Hazrat Maulana Qari Muhammed Tayyab Sahab Mutala’a Barelwiyat by Dr. Allama Khalid Mahmood Sahab Ankhonki Tahandak by Hazrat Maulana Muhammed Sarfaraz Khan Sahab Barelwi Fitna Ka Naya Roop by Maulana Muhammed Arif Nadwi Sahab (Fatawa Mahmoodiya, 1/278, 345-358, 471-591, Farooqiya) (Nizam ul-Fatawa, 1/191-192, Taj) (Bahisti Zewar, 1/26-30, Zam Zam) (Fatawa Rahimiya, 2/115-116, 248, Isha’at) And Allah knows best Wassalamu Alaikum Ml. Sajid bin Shabbir, Student Darul Iftaa Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah

Reading salam in the name of Prophet Muhammed s. w.a.s is right? Answer (Fatwa: 806/806/M=1431) When the name of the holy Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is pronounced then sending durood and salam to him is mustahab. But the ongoing method of salat o salam (reciting durood loudly while standing believing him hazir w nazir i.e. omnipresent and omniscient is wrong, and it must be avoided. Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Deoband

Q. I would like to know the view of the majority of the Ulama on the alleged omnipresence of the Holy Prophet (SAW). A. The established Aqeedah of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah (Sunni Muslims) is that the Prophet (SAS) is not Omni present. (The Mas’ala of Hadhir and Nadhir (Omni presence page 24). There is absolutely no difference of opinion on this matter among the scholars of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. In fact, from the time of the Prophet (SA) until today, all the scholars and Muslims who held on to the true teachings of the Prophet (SA) and that of the Sahabahs (Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah ) have unanimously declared that the ‘invented teaching of the Omnipresence of the prophet (SA)’ is not established in the teachings of Islam. This is the view of all the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. As for those who subscribe to the Omni presence of the Prophet (SA), they are following an innovated teaching, and not the ‘Sunni’ teaching. Although they may claim that they hold on to the teachings of the Sunni Muslims, this innovated belief is not from the creed of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah. For more information you can read our article on ‘Hazir and Nazir’ for the Prophet (SA). And Allah knows best. Mufti Waseem Khan Source

Part 4 The Food and Drink of the People of Paradise The people will have whatever food and drink they desire: "Any fruit that they may choose, And the flesh of fowls that they desire" [56:20-21] "...there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in.." [43:71] Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will permit them to take whatever they want of the good food and drink of Paradise: "Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!" [69:24] In Paradise there will be a sea of water, a sea of wine, a sea of milk and a sea of honey, and the rivers of Paradise will flow out of these seas. There will be also many springs in Paradise, and its people will drink from these seas, rivers and springs. (i) The Wine of the People of Paradise One of the drinks that Allaah will bestow on the people of Paradise will be wine. The wine of Paradise is free of all the troubles and problems that characterise the wine of this world, which makes people lose their minds, and causes headaches, stomach aches and other physical disorders, or which may have something wrong in the way it is made, or its colour, etc. But the wine of Paradise is free from all such faults; it is pure and beautiful: "Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine; white, delicious to the drinkers. Neither will they have ghoul [any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, etc] from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:45-47] Allaah described the beauty of its white colour, then explained that its drinker enjoy it very much, without is affecting their minds: "..rivers of wine delicious to those who drink.." [47:15] And they will never be adversely affected by drinking it: "..nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:47] Elsewhere in the Qur'aan, Allaah describes the wine of Paradise, "They will be served by immortal boys, With cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication" [56:17-19] Commenting on this passage, Ibn Katheer said, "it does not cause their heads to ache or their minds to be fogged; it is pure, although it still contains the ingredients that make it a delight to the drinker. ad-Dahhaak narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said, "Wine produces four things: drunkenness, headache, vomit and urine. Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) has mentioned the wine of Paradise, and He has purified it of all these things." [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 6/514] In another part of the Qur'aan, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says: "They will be given to drink pure sealed wine, the last thereof will be the smell of musk.." [83:25-26] This wine is sealed or covered, and at the end of it, the drinker will find the scent of musk. (ii) The food and drink of the people of Paradise does not produce any impure excrement. This does not only apply to the first group to enter Paradise, all those who enter will be similarly pure. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The first group of my ummah to enter Paradise will be as beautiful as the full moon and those that come after them will be like the brightest shining star, and those that follow them will be ranked according to their status. They will not defecate, urinate or blow their noses or spit." [Muslim in Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab awwal zumrah tadkhul al-Jannah, 4/2188, no. 2834] (iii) Why Will the People of Paradise Eat and Drink and Comb their Hair? If the people of Paradise are to abide there forever, and it is free form all discomfort, pain and sickness, if there is no hunger or thirst there, and no impurities or dirt, then why will the people of Paradise eat and drink, and wear perfume and comb their hair? al-Qurtubee answered this question in at-Tadhkirah [p. 475, see also al-Fath, 6/325]: "The luxuries and clothing of the people of Paradise will not be for the purpose of warding off potential pains; they will not eat because of hunger or drink because of thirst, or wear perfume because of some offensive odour, because Paradise is a never-ending succession of delight and joy. Do you not remember the words of Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) to Aadam? "Verily you have that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun's heat." [20:118-119] The wisdom behind it [food and drink, etc] is so that Allaah will introduce Paradise to them in ways similar to the good things that they enjoyed on earth, but He will increase it in ways known only to Him." (iv) The Vessels and Cups of the People of Paradise The vessels from which the people of Paradise will eat and drink will be of gold and silver. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says: "Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them.." [43:71] i.e. cups of gold. And Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says, "And amongst them, will be passed round vessels of silver and cups of crystal, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure thereof according to their wishes." [76:15] i.e it will combine the purity of crystal with the whiteness of silver. al-Bukhaari and Muslim reported from Abu Musaa al-Ash'ari that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The believer in paradise will have a tent made of a hollowed out pearl.. and two gardens of silver, their vessels and everything in them, and two gardens of gold, their vessels and everything in them." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/86] Among the vessels from which they will drink will be cups and jugs and glasses: "They will be served by immortal boys, with cups, and jugs and a glass from the flowing wine." [56:17-18] The Clothing, Jewellery and Incense-Burners Of the People of Paradise The people of Paradise will wear the most luxurious clothes, amongst other things, garments of silk and bracelets of gold, silver and pearls. Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says: "...wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk." [22:23] "'Adn Paradise they will enter, therein will they be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk." [35:33] "...They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Rabb will give them a pure drink." [76:21] Their clothes will be colourful, including garments of green silk and brocade: "..They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on." [18:31] "Their garments will be of fine green silk, and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver.." [76:21] The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) also told us that the people of Paradise will have combs of gold and silver, and that they will perfume themselves with 'Ud at-Teeb, even though the scent of musk will be emanating from their pure bodies. al-Bukhaari narrates from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said of those who will enter Paradise: "Their vessels will be of gold and silver, their combs will be of gold and the coals of their incense-burners will be of aloe-wood [Abul-Yaman said, "of 'Ud at-Teeb] and their sweat will be musk." [al-Bukhaari, Kitaab Bid' al-Khalq, Baab Maa Jaa'a fi Sifat al-Jannah wan-Naar, Fath al-Baari, 6/319] Their jewellery will include crowns. at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah report from al-Miqdaam ibn Ma'd Yakrib that among the honours bestowed upon the martyr will be: "..there will be placed upon his head a crown of dignity, one ruby of which is better than this world and all that is in it." [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/358, no. 3834, Saheeh Muslim, saheeh] The clothing and jewellery of the people of Paradise will never wear out or fade. Muslim reports from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "Whoever enters Paradise is blessed, and will never be miserable, his clothes will never wear out and his youth will never fade away." [saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Jannah, Baab fi Dawam Na'eem al-Jannah, 4/2181, no. 2836]

Yes being patient in a calamity is definite tough as is being grateful while in ease and comfort and safety which is also when one can forget Allah ta'ala. As for the respected Doctor, he is showing amazing strength and patience. After the funerals he has dedicated his life to bring fruition to the vision his wife and children had. As he said in an interview recently, he could easily take the easy way out and retire from work but he wishes to continue his work as well the wonderful work of deen he has begun in Ireland for which his whole family was dedicated...may ALLAH GRANT HIM GREAT STAGES!

Jazaakumullah for your valued responses...and all good is from Allah subhaanahu wata'ala. I look at doing my bit on this forum as a very special blessing from Him. I ask for acceptance through His grace. @Acacia: yes pls look with critical eye then get back...about the name change, just been feeling the need to make it more appealing and also so that members know whats its about. I feel that section is quite relevant to our lives @Naqshband: Not sure what you mean by "add dedicated section for "recent posts" as we have in MS" ...do you mean like the replies on previously posted topics? If so will ask brother arshad to look into it please continue to look around and make suggestions...constructive criticism will be inshaAllah valued

Assalaamu 'alaykum Warahmatullah Jazaakumullaahu khayran to our new members who have been adding valuable content in the various categories. Your reward is with Allah subhaanahu wata'ala! May He grant acceptance to all of us and make our efforts a means of attaining His pleasure, aameen! Ok my brothers and sisters, mashwarah (Consultation) time. The reason for this consultation is that it would be wonderful if you can all be a part of this forum inshaAllah by helping to make it better. So lets start in the name of Allah and see what we can come up with. What additions would you like to see? What needs to be changed for the better? I was thinking of changing the title of the category "Matters of the heart"...to what? any suggestions? any new ideas? InshaAlllah hoping to see replies....

maybe this should be in the "Matters of the heart" section....its a message for all of us

A Muslim Submits.... Islam is submission. As Muslims we submit, surrender and hand over ourselves to the Divine command of Allah Ta‘ala and the perfect Sunnah of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). In our Imaan (Faith), we submit and surrender our intelligence and understanding to believe in Allah Ta‘ala and in the unseen, as explained to us by Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). In our Salaah (Daily prayers), we submit and surrender our physical limbs and place them down before Allah Ta‘ala. In fasting we submit and surrender our desire to eat and drink for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. In Zakaat (Charity) and Qurbaani(Scarifice) we submit and surrender our wealth for the pleasure of Allah Ta‘ala. In Haj (Pilgrimage)we submit and surrender to the command of Allah Ta‘ala by sacrificing our health, wealth, time and homeland; and we present ourselves in the blessed lands in search of the grace and mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. A Muslim is an embodiment of submission. Source

“Pride is the root of all spiritual illnesses. It is so ingrained in the heart that it is usually the final spiritual ailment to be eradicated from a person’s heart.” Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) www.shaykh.org

correct section..jazaakallah. I sometimes mention this story to my husband when he mentions about my cooking!

assalaamu 'alaykum O dear, stress time is it? Don't worry, see following: http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/20607-duas-for-knowledge/ Du'as for ease: اللَّهُمَّ لا سَهْلَ إلَّا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلاً وَ إنْتَ تَحْعَلُ الْحزْنَ إذَا شِئْتَ سَهْ Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altu sahla, wa 'anta taj-alul hazna idha shi'ta sahlaO Allah! There is nothing easy except what You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it be Your Will[ibn Hibban] اللَّهُمَّ الْطُفْ بِىْ فِىْ تَيْسِيْرِ كُلِّ عَسِيْرٍ فَاِنَّ تَيْسِيْرَ ; كُلِّ عَسِيْرٍ عَلَيْكَ يَسِيْرٌَ Allahumma Tufiltuf bi fi taysiri kulli 'asirin, fainna taysirra kuuli 'asirin 'alaika yassirunO Allah! Make easy for me every difficult thing, with Your special favour and Kindness, for it is easy for You to make every difficult thing easy PLUS a good article here: http://www.islamicteachings.org/forum/topic/21049-exams-a-time-of-fear-and-anxiety/ InshaAllah all go well and Allah ta'ala grant success of both worlds eat well, get enough sleep, put in effort and then rely on Allah ta'ala : )

Dua for Pious Children

I often feel we should consult pious, knowledgeable scholars in any situation and ask for advice on how to deal with it. It always amazes me the way their advice is so different from what we would have thought to do.....this is true knowledge, 'ilm Nubuwwat!

Does the previously done wudhu of a woman who has Istihadha break with the beginning time of each Salaah? Question: 1. If a woman has Istihadha and makes a fresh wudhu for Asr. Then she begins to read Qur`aan Shareef. The time of Maghrib sets in and she is still holding and reading the Qur`aan Shareef. She has to obviously make a fresh wudhu for Salaah. But can she continue to read the Qur`an for five more minutes or is she out of the state of wudhu once the Maghrib azaan is heard? 2. If a woman in the state of Istihadha takes a shower at around 10 or 11 am and makes wudhu whilst showering. Does she need to make a fresh wudhu for Zuhr salah or is the wudhu she made earlier still valid? (this applies only for Zuhr Salaah) Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. In principle, the Wudhu of a woman in the state of Istihadhah will break at the ending time of each Salaah[1]. Hence, she is obliged to perform Wudhu for the time of each prayer[2]. However, the Wudhu performed after the ending of Fajr time will suffice for her to pray the Zuhr salaah with[3], as long as there is no other factor that renders the Wudhu invalid[4]. 1. In reference to your first question, the woman will not remain in the state of Wudhu as soon as the time of Asr ends and thus Maghrib time sets in[5]. The ending of Asr time will automatically render the Wudhu invalid. Hence it is permissible for the woman to continue reading the Qur`an but she is not allowed to hold or touch Qur`an until she makes Wudhu again after the Maghrib time has set in[6]. 2. As for your second question, the shower or bath of a woman in the state of Istihadhah at any time after the ending of Fajr time will suffice for her to pray her Zuhr Salah. She is not required to make fresh Wudhu for Zuhr Salaah since her previous Wudhu is still valid until the end of Zohar time if there is no other factor that renders the Wudhu invalid[7]. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. idealwoman.org 1] وإذا خرج الوقت بطل وضوءهم واستانفوا الوضوء لصلاة أخرى [Al-Hidayah ma`a Fat`h al-Qadir, 1:160, al-Maktabah al-Haqqaniyah] [2] وهي تتوضأ لوقت الصلوة [An-Nutaf fi al-Fatawa, p.89, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut] [Fatawa Mahmoodiyyah, 5:223-4, Dar al-Iftaa Jamiah Farooqiyyah, Karachi; Fatawa Dar al-Uloom Zakariyyah, 1:543, Zamzam Publishers] [3] فإن توضؤا حين تطلع الشمس أجزأهم عن فرض الوقت حتى يذهب وقت الظهر [Al-Hidayah ma`a Fat`h al-Qadir, 1:160, al-Maktabah al-Haqqaniyah] [4] و(تتوضأ المستحاضة ومن به عذر كسلس بول أو استطلاق بطن لوقت كل فرض) لا لكل فرض ولا نفل لقوله صلى الله عليه وسلم “المستحاضة تتوضأ لوقت كل صلاة” … (ويصلون به) أي بوضوئهم في الوقت (ما شاءوا من الفرائض) أداء للوقتية وقضاء لغيرها ولو لزم السنة زمان الصحة وما شاءوا من (النوافل) والواجبات كالوتر والعيد وصلاة جنازة وطواف ومس مصحف( ويبطل وضوء المعذورين ) إذا لم يطرأ ناقض غير العذر ( بخروج الوقت ) كطوع الشمس في الفجر عند أبي حنيفة ومحمد ( فقط ) وعند زفر بدخوله فقط [Maraqiy al-Falah Sharh Nur al-Idhah, p.35-6, Maktabah Imdadiyah, Multan] [Radd al-Muhtar ala ad-Durr al-Mukhtar, 1:305-6, H.M. Saeed Company] [5] أن الوضوء إنما يبطل بخروج الوقت فقط لا بدخوله [Radd al-Muhtar ala ad-Durr al-Mukhtar, 1:306, H.M. Saeed Company] [6] ولو توضؤوا في وقت الظهر للعصر، لا يصلون به العصر في الأصح لأنها طهارة وقعت للظهر، حتى لو ظهر فساد ظهرهم ، جاز لهم أن يصلوها بها، فلا تبقى بعد خروجه [imdad al-Fattah Sharh Nur al-Idhah wa Najah al-Arwah, p.146, Dar Tabaa`, Damascus] [7] وإنما يبطل بخروج الوقت فقط لا بدخوله فقط كالظهر … فلو توضأ لصلاة العيد جاز له أن يصلي به الظهر على الصحيح كما لو توضؤوا لصلاة ضحى لأنه وقت مهمل [imdad al-Fattah Sharh Nur al-Idhah wa Najah al-Arwah, p.146, Dar Tabaa`, Damascus] [Ahsan al-Fatawa, 2:78, H.M. Saeed Company]

Question: I am a Muslim revert of almost 3 years. I met my husband through the Imam at our local masjid. Initially my husband was very practicing Muslim and thought me much in my early days as a new Muslim. Over the last twelve months things have started to change. He has set up a business and is very busy seven days a week. Things aren’t going well for him in his work. Now he is missing salahs, has started to put work before his duties to Allah Taala, and he seems to me to have lost his fear of Allah Taala…he has admitted such to me recently. He is starting to take more of an interest in haram and even defends his decisions. My husband is a good man. I think he just got lost. Please advise me how to approach this situation? How can I help him to fear Allah once more and help him to seek Allahs pleasure before seeking material gain in his life? Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. Sister in Islam, irstly you should understand that Allah has blessed you with the greatest gift of Imaan, and has kept you steadfast on this path of pure guidance for the last three years. This is a sign of Allah Taala’s love for you that, he handpicked you form the millions for his divine guidance. Marriage is a bond between two people based on love, understanding and compassion. It is important as spouses to understand each other and help one another especially in difficulties and challenging moments. As a wife one of the major roles you have to play is being a means of peace and tranquillity to your husband especially during trying moments. Allah Taala mentions in the Quraan: وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ Also among His Aayaat (signs) is that he has created spouses for you from yourselves so that you may find solace with her and he has placed love and mercy between you. There are certainly Aayaat (signs) in this for people how contemplate. [surah Room-21] We are sorry to hear about the drastic change in you husbands life. However, you should understand that this world is a testing ground and life has its ups and downs. And the only way we can overcome these challenges is by staying steadfast to the teachings of Allah and his Rasul. Allah Taala mentions in the Quraan: وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوفْ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الأَمَوَالِ وَالأنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast. [155: Al Baqara] إِنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ Your riches and your children are but a trial. As for Allah, with Him is a great reward. [15: Taghaabun] As we can see from the above verses that, your husband is going through a test from Allah in his business. In this critical situation he will be needing all the support you can give him. The most positive way to address this issue will be by starting Taleem in your house. Read the chapters from the lives of the Ambiya, Sahaba and pious predecessor’s that discuss contentment, sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah and renunciation of the world. Try and play CDs of Ulama and put books that mention virtues of fulfilling the commandments of Allah in places where your husband will see them. Also encourage your husband to affiliate with pious people, this will have an effect on him e.g. scholars, tableegi brothers etc. You may also discuss this matter with a senior member of your community, for example the Imam through whom you met your husband to advise him improve himself. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. idealwoman.org

Pop culture in the name of Islam by Yvonne Ridley I FEEL very uncomfortable about the pop culture which is growing around some so-called Nasheed artists. Of course I use the term ‘Nasheed artists’ very lightly. Islamic ‘boy bands’ and Muslim ‘popsters’ would probably be more appropriate. Eminent scholars throughout history have often opined that music is haram, and I don’t recall reading anything about the Sahaba whooping it up to the sound of music. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for people letting off steam, but in a dignified manner and one which is appropriate to their surroundings. The reason I am expressing concern is that just a few days ago at a venue in Central London, sisters went wild in the aisles as some form of pop-mania swept through the concert venue. And I’m not just talking about silly, little girls who don’t know any better; I am talking about sisters in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, who squealed, shouted, swayed and danced. Even the security guys who looked more like pipe cleaners than bulldozers were left looking dazed and confused as they tried to stop hijabi sisters from standing on their chairs. Of course the stage groupies did not help at all as they waved and encouraged the largely female Muslim crowd to “get up and sing along.” (They’re called ‘Fluffers’ in lap-dancing circles!) The source of all this adulation was British-born Sami Yusuf, who is so proud of his claret-colored passport that he wants us all to wave the Union Jacks. I’m amazed he didn’t encourage his fans to sing “Land of Hope and Glory.” Brother Sami asked his audience to cheer if they were proud to be British ,and when they responded loudly, he said he couldn’t hear them and asked them to cheer again. How can anyone be proud to be British? Britain is the third most hated country in the world. The Union Jack is drenched in the blood of our brothers and sisters across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine. Our history is steeped in the blood of colonialism, rooted in slavery, brutality, torture, and oppression. And we haven’t had a decent game of soccer since we lifted the World Cup in 1966. Apparently Sami also said one of the selling points of Brand UK was having Muslims in the Metropolitan Police Force! Astafur’Allah! Dude, these are the same cops who have a shoot-to-kill policy and would have gunned down a Muslim last year if they could tell the difference between a Bangladeshi and a Brazilian. This is the same police force that has raided more than 3000 Muslim homes in Britain since 9/11. What sort of life is there on Planet Sami, I wonder? If he is so proud to be British, why is he living in the great Middle Eastern democracy of Egypt? Apparently the sort of hysteria Sami helped encourage is also in America, and if it is happening on both sides of the Atlantic, then it must be creeping around the globe and poisoning the masses. Islamic boy bands like 786 and Mecca 2 Medina are also the subject of the sort of female adulation you expect to see on American Pop Idol or the X-Factor. Surely Islamic events should be promoting restrained and more sedate behavior. Do we blame the out-of-control sisters? Or do we blame the organizers for allowing this sort of excessive behavior which demeans Islam? Or do we blame the artists themselves? Abu Ali and Abu Abdul Malik, struggling for their Deen, would certainly not try to whip up this sort of hysteria. Neither would the anonymous heroic Nasheed artists who sing for freedom; check out Idhrib Ya Asad Fallujah, and you will know exactly what I mean. Fallujah is now synonymous with the sort of heroic resistance that elevated the Palestinians of Jenin to the ranks of the resistance written about in the Paris Communeand the Siege of Leningrad. The US military has banned the playing of any Nasheeds about Fallujah because of the power and the passion it evokes. If those Nasheeds had sisters running in the streets whooping and dancing, however, the Nasheeds may be encouraged [Note from Siraaj: She probably meant discouraged, not encouraged] because of haram activity surrounding them. Quite frankly, I really don’t know how anyone in the Ummah can really let go and scream and shout with joy at pleasure domes when there is so much brutality and suffering going on in the world today. The rivers of blood flow freely from the veins of our brothers and sisters from across the Muslim world. Screaming and shouting the names of musical heroes drown out the screams coming from the dungeons of Uzbekistan where brothers and sisters are boiled alive in vats of water. How many will jump up and down and wave their arms in the air, shouting wildly for justice for our kin in Kashmir, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Palestine, and Iraq? There are many more killing fields as well across the Asian and Arab world. Will you climb on theater chairs and express your rage over Guantanamo Bay and other gulags where our brothers and sisters are being tortured, raped, sodomized, beaten, and burned? Or will you just switch off this concerned sister and switch on to the likes of Sami Yusuf because he can sell you a pipe dream with his soothing words and melodic voice? Oh, Muslims, wake up! The Ummah is not bleeding; it is hemorrhaging. Listen not to what is haram. Listen to the pain of your global family. Source

Brother Naqshband, If you have a collection of short inspirational quotes by Shaykh Zufiqar (Hafizahulkllah) or any of his khulafa, would you be able to open on thread and post when you can like here with quotes of Shaykh Yunus Patel (Raheemahulla) and here with quotes of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (hafizahullah) . There is also one for quotes of Shaykh Abdul Hamid Ishaq

Haramain High Speed Rail The project to connect the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, cradle of the Muslim faith, is the biggest international contract ever obtained by Spanish companies. The Hispano-Saudi consortium forming the Al Shoula Group, presided over by Ineco, is building the new high speed corridor which will cross the coastal and desert regions of Saudi Arabia, linking Makkah and Madinah. http://www.ineco.es/webineco/en/hara...makkah-madinah

Part 3 The Delights of the People of Paradise: The Superiority of Paradise Over the Pleasures of This World The pleasures of this world are tangible and present, whilst the delights of Paradise are as-yet unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can see and know instantly; it is hard enough for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something else that is in the future, so how much harder it is if the promise will not be attained until after death! So Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) drew a comparison between the pleasures of this world and the joys of Paradise, and explained that the delights of Paradise are far superior to this world's pleasures. The Qur'aan speaks at length denouncing this world of instant, fleeting pleasures and stating that the rewards with Allaah as far better, to encourage man to strive hard for success in the next world: "And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given them for enjoyment to various groups of them the splendour of this life that We may test them thereby. But the provision of your Rabb is better and more lasting" [20:131] And "Beautified for men is the love of things they covet: women, children, much of gold and silver , branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life but Allaah has the excellent return with Him. Say: "Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For al-Muttaqoon there are Gardens with their Rabb, under which rivers flow. Therein eternal and Azwaajun mutahharatun , and Allaah will be pleased with them. And Allaah is All-Seer of Slaves" [3:14-15] There are many reasons why the delights of Paradise are superior to the pleasures of this dunyaa; Amongst them: (i) The Pleasures of this Dunyaa are Fleeting: "Say: Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is better for him who fears Allaah.." [4:77] The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) illustrated the inferiority of this dunyaa by comparing it to what Allaah has prepared in Paradise, "By Allaah, this world in comparison with the Hereafter is nothing more than as if one of you put his finger" - and he gestured with his forefinger - "in the sea; let him see how much water he would retrieve" [saheeh Muslim, 4/2193, no. 2858]. A finger dipped in the ocean would not even pick up one drop; this is how little this world is worth when compared with the Aakhirah. Because these pleasures are so insignificant, Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) has rebuked those who prefer the pleasures of this world to the joys of the Aakhirah: "O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forth in the Cause of Allaah you cling heavily to this earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter" [9:38] We have already quoted numerous texts that indicate the inexhaustible abundance of the blessings and joys of the Aakhirah. (ii) The Hereafter is also better from the perspective of quality. The clothing, food, drink, jewellery and palaces of the people of Paradise will be far superior to their counterparts in this world. There is in fact no room for comparison, as even the smallest space in Paradise is better than this world and all that is in it. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report from Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The space of a whip in Paradise is better than this world and everything in it" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5613] Also narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "The space of the bow of any one of you in Paradise is better than all that the sun rises upon" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5615] The comparison between the women of Paradise and the women of this earth serves to demonstrate the superiority of that which is in Paradise. al-Bukhaari reports from Anas that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) said, "If a woman from the people of Paradise were to look at this earth, she would light up everything between it and fill it with her fragrance; the veil on her head is better than this world and all that is in it" [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/85, no. 5614] (iii) Paradise is free from all the impurities and disappointments of this world. Eating and drinking in this life results in the need for excretion and its associated unpleasant odours. If a person drinks wine in this world, he loses his mind. Women in this world menstruate and give birth, which are sources of pain and hurt. Paradise is free from all of these discomforts: its people will not urinate, defecate, spit or suffer from catarrh. The wine of Paradise, as described by its Creator, is: "Crystal-white, delicious to those who drink , free from intoxication, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom" [37:46-47] The water of Paradise does not become brackish, and its milk never changes in flavour: "..rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes.." [47:15] The women of Paradise are pure and free from menstruation, nifaas and all the other impurities suffered by women in this world, as Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) says: "...and they shall have therein Azwaajun Muttaharatun [Purified mates having no menses, urine, stools, etc]" [2:25] The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, their deeds righteous. There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free of all worthless words and deeds: "...free from any laghw [dirty, false, evil, vague talk], and free from sin" [52:23] The only speech that is heard there is good, sincere and pure, free from all the shameful shortcomings of earthly speech: "No Laghw [dirty, false, evil talk] will they hear therein, nor lying" [78:35] "They shall not hear therein any Laghw, but only salaam " [19:62] "Where they shall hear neither harmful speech nor falsehood" [88:11] Paradise is the abode of purity and peace, "No laghw will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech [like backbiting, etc], But only the saying of Salaam! Salaam! " [56:25] For this reason, when the people of Paradise have been saved from the Fire, they will be detained of a bridge between Paradise and Hell, where they will be purified by settling any wrongs that may be outstanding, so that they may enter Paradise, pure of heart and soul, free from any resentment, envy or other negative emotions of this world. al-Bukhaari and Muslim report that when the people of Paradise enter Paradise, "There will be no hatred of resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify Allaah, morning and evening" [al-Bukhaari from Abu Hurayrah, in Kitaab bid' al-Khalq, Baab maa jaa'a fi Sifaat al-Jannah, Fath al-Baari, 6/318] Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) said, "And We shall remove from their breasts any lurking sense of injury: brothers facing each other on thrones " [15:47] A "sense of injury" is hatred. It was reported from Ibn 'Abbaas and 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib that when the people of paradise enter Paradise they will drink from one spring, and Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) will remove all sense of injury or hatred from their hearts, then they will drink from another spring, and their faces will become pure and bright [al-Qurtubee, at-Tadhkirah, p. 499]. This is probably what is meant by the aayah, "And their Rabb will give them a pure drink" [76:21] (iv) The Pleasures of This World are Transient Whilst the Joys of the Hereafter are Lasting and Eternal This is why Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) calls the pleasures of this world "temporary conveniences" because they are enjoyed for a short while, then come to an end, but the joys of al-Aakhirah have no end: "What is with you, must vanish, and what is with Allaah will endure.." [16:96] ": This is Our Provision, which will never finish" [38:54] "...its provision is eternal and so is its shade.." [13:35] Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) gave an example of how quickly this world will pass away: "And put forward for them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allaah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last are better with your Rabb for rewards and better in respect of hope" [18:45-46] Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala) likened this life to the rain that falls from the sky and causes plants to grow and flower and bear fruit. This lasts for only a short time, before they shrivel and are blown away by the wind. Such are the luxuries of this life, such as youth, wealth, sons, lands and fields. All of this passes away; youth fades, health and vitality are replaced by sickness and old age, wealth and children may disappear, a man may be taken from his family and wealth, but the Hereafter will never vanish or go away: "...And excellent indeed will be the home of the Muttaqoon, 'Adn Paradise which they will enter, under which rivers flow.." [16:30-31] (v) Seeking to Enjoy the Pleasures of this World and Neglecting the Hereafter Will be Followed By Regret and Sorrow When One Enters the Fire of Hell "Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection will you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception " [3:185]

Answer to above question.... Darul Uloom Deoband Question: 3126 United Kingdom of Great Britain Is the Prophet peace be upon him's nur the first thing to be created? Also, was it created before Adam alayhis salam's? Answer: 3126 Jan 29,2008 (Fatwa: 903/876=D) Hazrat Hakimul Ummah, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi has mentioned a Hadith in his book نشر الطیب فی ذکر النبی الحبیب صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم with reference of Ahkam bin Al-Qattan that Hazrat Ali bin Al-Hussain (Zainul Abdeen) narrated from his father Hazrat Hussain (رضی اللہ عنہ) and he narrated from his father (Hazrat Ali رضی اللہ عنہ) that the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said: ?I was a noor (light) in front of my Lord some forty thousand years before the birth of Hazrat Adam (علیہ السلام)?. There are some more traditions which prove that the noor of the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was created in the earliest time, some traditions say that his noor was created before the Tablet, the Pen, earth, sky and even before all creatures. Allah (Subhana Wa Ta'ala) knows Best Darul Ifta, Darul Uloom Deoband

Taqleed literally means to follow, and according to the technical meaning used in the Shariah, it means ‘to follow someone in what he says, considering it to be the truth, without looking into the evidence for it’. (Baghwi) Based on the above meaning, we find that in reality, all Muslims do Taqleed knowingly or unknowingly. The reason for this is clearly seen from the conduct of all Muslims. Almost all Muslims rely on one scholar or another, from whom they take their advice, and adopt their rulings. All these are done without even knowing the evidence for the ruling. Whether Muslims accept a particular Alim/Shaikh or another, they cannot escape the fact that they rely on the opinions of a person and accept it even though they are not aware of the evidences for the said opinions. This act of following/accepting a scholar’s opinion can be easily understood when we see that most of the Muslims are not scholars of Islam, nor have they studied any of the Islamic sciences. Most of them are engrossed in their private jobs and occupation and spend absolutely no time in acquiring a sound Islamic education. Although some may be practicing Muslims, yet, they do not get involve in formal studies. As such, we see that most of the Muslims are not aware of Hadith Studies, Quranic Studies, and Islamic Jurisprudence, etc. However, notwithstanding their ignorance (of most of the Sciences of Islamic learning), they are nevertheless devout and practicing Muslims who continue to fulfil and abide by the teachings of Islam. This, they are able to do on account of their acceptance and adherence to the teachings given by scholars whom they have accepted as their Ulama. Hence, whenever they are confronted with any situation, they refer to their scholars and do not question the authenticity and soundness of the opinions and advice which have been given. Almost all Muslims in the world, scholars and non scholars find themselves in the above situation. As for the Muslim who is not a scholar, he places his trust and reliance on a scholar, and then accepts his opinion, explanation and advice. As for the Muslim who is a scholar, he is totally dependant on the scholars of the earlier generations of the Salafus Saaliheen, for his understanding of the sciences of Islam. As a scholar, he accepts their rulings, explanations and opinions, and also gives his verdicts upon their statements. In this way, he (the Islamic scholar) finds himself following other scholars, and he knows to himself that he cannot escape this. As such, regardless of what one may say against Taqleed, he must also do it, since there is no other way of understanding the teachings of Islam except through the way of accepting and following the explanations given by the Salafus Saaliheen from among the Sahabahs, Tabi’uun and At’baa-at Tabieen. It is on account of this reality, we find that even those who condemn Taqleed, are forced to quote statements of ‘Ibn Katheer,’ ‘Imam Bukhari’, ‘Imam Muslim’, ‘Ibn Taimiya’, ‘Ibn Qayyim’, ‘Imam Barbaharee’, ‘Imam Ahmad’, ‘Sheikh Albani’ etc, etc… The mere fact that a person may quote any of the above name as a proof for what he says, shows that he is using the name (quoted) as an authority and evidence. It therefore means, that he relies and places his trust upon a certain Scholar and follows what he has said. In many cases, the one quoting such names (as a proof) do not understand or even investigate the evidence for such statements. Instead, he simply relies upon the name of the Scholar, accepting his opinion to be sound. This, in reality is Taqleed. It’s simply a matter of following someone who others are not following. Therefore, this act of condemning Taqleed is based on ignorance and arrogance, and out of mere obstinacy, for certainly, a person finds himself doing Taqleed and is totally dependant upon it. From this explanation, it can be seen that basically, every Muslim does Taqleed. It is simply a matter of whom he chooses to follow. There are some Muslims who may not adhere or adopt the Mazhab of Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi or Ahmad bin Hambal, but yet, they adhere to the opinions and verdicts s of other scholars of the past. So, in reality they are also doing Taqleed (following). Some may reject the practice of Taqleed, but yet, may listen and follow what a certain Sheikh may say or write. This itself is Taqleed, and they are also involved in doing Taqleed even though they may not accept it. Taqleed therefore, is one which is done by every Muslim and no one can escape it. It is not something which is newly invented, nor has it been condemned in Islam. Instead, it is one which is encouraged in Islam and the Holy Quran and the Sunnah bears ample testimony to this. In this regard, Allah commands the Muslims in the following manner, ‘O those who believe! Obey Allah and obey His Messenger and those in authority over you’. (Quraan 4:59). Here (in this verse), Allah Has commanded the believers to obey Him. He has also commanded them to obey His Messenger, Muhammad (SA), and has ordered them to obey those who are in authority. The verse makes it abundantly clear that all Muslims must be obedient to Allah, to His Messenger (SA) and to those who are in authority. With respect to who are ‘Those in authority’, the great commentators of the Holy Quran from among the Sahabah, the Tabi’uun and those after them, have stated that ‘those in authority’ in this verse, means the Fuqaha (the Jurists of Islam). This is the explanation given by Jabir bin Abdullah (RA), Abdullah bin Abbas (RA), Mujahid (RA), Ata bin Abi Rabah (RA), Ata bin Sa’ib (RA), Hassan Basri (RA), Abul Aliyah (RA) and many others from the Salafus Saaliheen (Pious Predecessors). (Tafseer Ibn Jareer) Based upon this explanation, it therefore means that Allah has issued a command in this verse of Sura An Nisa, informing the Muslims that they must obey the Fuqaha ‘Islamic Jurists’ who have been given a degree of authority over them. The reason for this command is quite clear, since the Fuqaha are those who have been endowed with the knowledge and the understanding of the religion of Allah (Al Islam). As such, (with their understanding and knowledge) they are able, to teach and explain the laws of Islam. They are able to guide the Muslims with respect to halal and haram, and are able to issue verdicts on many matters. When this is done, it becomes imperative upon the Muslims to listen and obey them, and to follow their guidelines since it is all connected to Allah and His Messenger (SA). It is for this reason, Allah has commanded the believers in the above mentioned verse to obey the Islamic Jurists, who, according to the commentators are the ones in authority. It should be noted that obedience comes about only by following, and there is no law mentioned in this verse which tells the Muslims that they must know the evidence for a certain issue before they obey. The verse, rather, is straight, explicit and simple, in that it commands the Muslims to obey those who are in authority (that is, the Fuqaha-Islamic Jurists). In another verse, Allah says, ‘Ask those of knowledge, if you do not know’. (An Nahl: 43; Al Ambiya: 7) In this verse, Allah Has commanded those who do not possess knowledge to ask those who possess it. Obviously, asking is done in order to follow and obey. As such, when Muslims seek advice or ask the religious Scholars questions, they are required to accept the answers and follow what have been told to them. So in reality, the act of asking questions brings about the act of ‘following’. It is therefore clear from this verse, that Allah, by commanding the believers to ask the Scholars (who are endowed with knowledge) of the things that they do not know about, is in reality ordering them to follow the Scholars in the answers they give. So what is evident from these verses and explanations, is that the act of following ‘scholars’ and ‘knowledgeable people’, (which in essence is the concept of Taqleed) is one which is not only encouraged in the Holy Quran, but it is also a requirement of a Muslim. It is for this reason, the scholars of the early and latter generations have all accepted Taqleed and have encouraged the Muslims to do Taqleed. In this regard, Hafiz Ibn Taimiya has written in his Fatawa that it is the agreement of the scholars that Ijtihaad (deductions) is permissible and Taqleed is permissible. Ijtihaad is permissible for that person who has the ability to do it, and Taqleed is for that person who cannot do Ijtihaad’. Allama Baghwi has also written, ‘It is essential for a person who does not possess the qualifications for Ijtihaad to do Taqleed’. The great scholar, Khateeb Al Baghdadi writes: ‘As far as the Islamic rules are concerned, there are two types. The first are those which are known by necessity to be a part of the Deen of the Prophet (SA) like Salaah, Zakaah, Fasting etc. Taqleed is not allowed in these issues since they are such that everyone should know and understand (that is, every Muslim is required to know that these are compulsory and hence, must obey the commandments of Allah). The second type are those rules which need to be understood and explained, such as the details of the rituals of worship, transactions, etc. Taqleed is allowed in these issues since Allah says, “Ask those of knowledge, if you do not know”. (Nahl verse 43) Based on the above quotations, we see that the scholars have made two divisions. One is with respect to those who can do Ijtihaad, and the other is with respect to those who must do Taqleed. Ijtihaad, as explained by the pious predecessors, is the process of extracting laws from the four basic sources of the Shariah, namely, the Quran, the Sunnah, Ijma (Concensus of opinion) and Qiyas (analogy based on explicit rulings of the Quran and Sunnah). A Mujtahid is therefore a scholar who is qualified to do Ijtihaad. As explained before, Taqleed technically means to accept the view of a Mujtahid in issues of Islamic law, without seeking to know the proof thereof, on the belief that the views are based on legitimate evidences of the Shariah. Thus, a Muqallid (follower) is one who ascribes to the Taqleed of a Mujtahid, because he lacks the qualifications to perform Ijtihaad. It should be understood that ‘Following (making Taqleed) of an Imam or a Mujtahid does not entail believing the Mujtahid to be an independent source of law, who has to be followed in totality. Rather, the idea is that the Quran and Sunnah be followed as it is understood by the great scholars of the past, whose understanding, knowledge and authenticity have been accepted by the Ummah. The Imam/Mujtahid whose opinion is followed, is regarded as an interpreter and not a law maker. The only reason a person follows an Imam/Mujtahid is because of the conviction that the Mujtahid has great knowledge and understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, (which he, the follower does not possess), through which the Imam/Mujtahid is able to understand their meanings. In this regard, the follower has relied upon the Imam’s opinion/verdict/ruling. Taqleed therefore, facilitates the following of the Quran and Sunnah. It is to be noted also that Taqleed existed during the time of the Sahabahs (RA) (Companions), where many of them would follow the most knowledgeable among them, and adhere to his opinions, rulings and explanations. This act of following was so strong that they would not accept the opinions which contradicted the rulings/fatawas of that person whom they followed. It is therefore clear, that ‘Taqleed’ conforms to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah and hence, has been encouraged by the scholars of the former and latter generations. While some have strongly encouraged the Muslims to do it, many great Scholars from the Salaafus Saliheen and the latter generations have stated that it is essential for Muslims to do Taqleed. This, they explain, is in order to protect one’s religion and to save one self from practicing upon the opinions of Scholars to one’s convenience. It is generally seen , that those who do not do Taqleed, ‘pick’ and ‘choose’ opinions (of Scholars) at random. Whatever suits their desires are normally adopted, without having any strong evidence to support (their actions). Sometimes an Imam’s/Scholar opinion is accepted in a certain issue, but the same Scholar/Imam is rejected in another issue. Due to the fact that one is not disciplined in Knowledge, he finds himself roaming from one Scholar to the other, from one opinion to the other, until he finds that which is convenient and acceptable to him. It is strange to know that those guilty of these practices are not from among the learned, instead, they are those who have no formal Islamic education and are not even qualified to give an opinion in Shariah matters. About this, the great Muhaddith Shah Waliyullah (RA) writes, ‘The Ummah has unanimously agreed upon the validity of following one of the four Schools of thought which has been organized and documented. There are many obvious benefits in this, especially today where determination has dwindled, where desires have penetrated our consciousness and gloating with one’s opinion is seen as a virtue’. (Al Insaaf) About the attitude of those who continue to attack the following of an Imam/Mujtahid, thereby choosing opinions at random, the great Scholar of Hadith, Sheikh Siddiq Hassan writes, ‘There has arisen in this era, a party who do their actions for fame and to show others. They call themselves people of Hadith and Quran, and they claim to have perfect knowledge, actions and recognition of the Shariah.’ ‘So how strange is this! That they call themselves people of Tauheed, who are sincere, and brand others as Unbelievers and Mushrik, while they themselves are worst of all people, with respect to partisanship and the worst of all in exceeding the bounds of deen’. (Al Hittatu fi Zikr Sihah As Sittah pg. 67,68). The great and renowned Scholar, Khateeb Al Baghdadi also writes, ‘As for those who should do Taqleed, they are those who do not know the methods of extracting Islamic rules. These people should follow one specific Imam and act upon his ruling. This is so because they do not posses the tools for Ijtihaad’. (Al Faqeeh Wal Mutafaqih). DARUL ULOOM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Rashaad Ave, Mon Plasir Road, Cunupia. Trinidad, W.I. Tel: (868) 665 8868 / Fax: (868) 665 1442 Webpage: www.darululoomtt.org/ Email: [email protected]

Assalaamu 'alaykumj warahmatullah Welcome to the forum. Jazaakallah for the input. I think the complete article will be beneficial in the Madhab section inshaAllah as I found it easy to understand. (link fixed). By the way, only the first few posts will need approving so please continue posting

Keys of the Ka'bah مفتاح الكعبة Key of Kaaba in the middle, on the right key of Maqam Ibrahim, on the left key of the door of Tawbah leading to the roof of the Kaaba. (Picture posted on muftisays.com by Roukaya19)